Going from black hair to a dark red shade is definitely possible, but it does require some work. Black hair has a very dark pigment called eumelanin that can be challenging to overcome when trying to deposit a red color. However, with the right hair color and techniques, even very dark hair can be transformed into a deep burgundy or red wine shade. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about making the change from black to dark red hair.
Can You Dye Black Hair Red Without Bleaching?
Trying to dye black hair red without bleaching is very difficult and usually ineffective. Black hair is the darkest natural hair color, so there are no underlying warm pigments in the hair like there would be for lighter brunettes. Black hair that hasn’t been lightened will grab onto the red dye minimally, resulting in a very subtle change, or no change at all.
Some alternatives like using vegetable-based dyes or attempting to strip the color with vitamin C treatments likely won’t work either. While these can make subtle changes on darker brown hair, they do not have enough lifting power to really impact jet black hair.
So unfortunately, if you want your black hair to become a true red shade, you will need to pre-lighten with bleach. This removes underlying pigment and opens up the cuticle so the new red color will deposit properly. Trying to go red without bleaching black hair first simply won’t allow enough color pickup.
How Much Do You Need to Bleach Black Hair to Dye it Red?
To get black hair light enough for a dark red shade, you’ll likely need to complete two rounds of bleaching. Removing black pigment takes time and patience!
For the first bleaching session, the goal is to lift your hair to a medium brown color. Expect your hair to turn orangey at this stage – this is normal. Rushing the lightening process risks damage.
After a break of a few days, do a second bleaching session to lift your hair the rest of the way to a pale yellow or lightest brown shade. At this level, your hair will readily grab onto the red dye to reach a dark burgundy or red wine color.
Trying to achieve a lighter red right away on black hair risks damage from over-processing. Go gradually and do not try to rush to a bright red in one session – patience leads to healthier hair!
What Level Do You Need to Bleach Black Hair to Dye it Dark Red?
| Hair Level | Level Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Black |
| Level 2 | Darkest brown |
| Level 3 | Darker brown |
| Level 4 | Medium brown |
| Level 5 | Lighter brown |
| Level 6 | Darkest blonde |
| Level 7 | Dark blonde |
To achieve a deep red shade, you’ll want to pre-lighten your naturally black hair to a level 6 or 7. This means lifting your hair to a pale yellow or light brown color. Staying within the level 6-7 range will allow the red dye to deposit with a richness and depth of color.
If you try to go too light under a level 6, you risk having the red come out feeling “hot” or unnatural. Going too dark over a level 7 won’t give the red enough brightness against the base. So staying in the goldilocks zone of 6-7 is ideal.
How to Bleach Black Hair for Red Dye
Follow these steps for safely bleaching black hair in preparation for red dye:
Supplies Needed:
– Bleach powder and developer
– Bowl and brush
– Shower cap
– Conditioner
– Hair clips
– Gloves
Step 1: Mix the bleach powder and developer together as directed on the instructions. A 1:2 ratio is standard. Wear gloves during mixing.
Step 2: Work the bleach mixture through clean, dry sections of your hair from root to tip. Saturate all strands thoroughly.
Step 3: Clip up your hair and put on a shower cap. Process for 45 mins, checking occasionally for even lifting.
Step 4: Rinse bleach thoroughly until water runs clear. Apply conditioner and let sit 5-10 mins. Rinse again.
Step 5: Repeat steps 1-4 until hair is lifted to a pale yellow/brown level 6-7 base. Space sessions at least 2-3 days apart to minimize damage.
Step 6: You’re now ready to apply your desired dark red shade!
Best Red Dye for Black Hair
Here are some excellent red dye options that will show up beautifully on pre-lightened black hair:
– Loreal Excellence HiColor Reds – Available in light to deep red intensities. Lasts up to 28 washes.
– Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream – Features anti-fade red shades from ruby to burgundy.
– Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Color – Vibrant reds like red velvet and cherry.
– Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Vamp it up with their Blood Red or Vampire Red!
– Ion Color Brilliance Brights Semi-Permanent – Their Scarlet and Intense Red are bold color payoff.
– Punky Colour Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color – Rich wine colors like Plum and Amethyst.
No matter which brand you choose, be sure to select a red shade within the dark spectrum. Dark reds like deep burgundy or merlot suit black hair best. Avoid brassy or orangey reds, which won’t flatter your complexion.
How to Dye Black Hair Red
Follow these instructions for applying your chosen red shade:
Supplies Needed:
– Red hair dye
– Gloves
– Application brush
Step 1: Prep your pre-lightened hair by shampooing with a clarifying shampoo and towel drying. This removes residue so the color applies true.
Step 2: Put on gloves and mix the red hair dye as instructed. Part your hair into manageable sections.
Step 3: Start applying the red dye at the back of your head by brushing it on from root to tip. Repeat on all sections thoroughly.
Step 4: Twist hair up into a bun and cover with a shower cap. Let the dye process for the full development time listed on the box.
Step 5: Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to finish.
Step 6: Reveal your new dark red hair! Style as desired. Be sure to use color-protecting hair products to lock in the color.
How to Maintain Dyed Black to Red Hair
Keep your new red color looking vibrant by:
– Using shampoo/conditioner made for color-treated hair
– Washing only 1-2 times per week to prevent fading
– Avoiding chlorine, salt water, and hot water which strips color
– Using an in-shower color depositing conditioner as needed
– Getting a gloss or glaze treatment done every 6-8 weeks
– Protecting hair from sun exposure with hats or scarves
With the right maintenance regimen, you can keep your black-to-red hair color transformation looking fabulous! Be prepared to touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks as your natural dark hair grows in.
How Long Does Black Hair Take to Dye Red?
Dyeing black hair red takes patience and time. Here is a breakdown of the full process:
– Initial bleaching sessions: Up to 2 hours each over multiple days
– Red dye processing: 30-60 minutes
– Touch up roots every 4-6 weeks: 1-2 hours
So in total, expect the initial black to red transformation to require around 4-6 hours over a 1-2 week period. Regular root touch ups and maintaining the color will be an ongoing investment. But the dramatic, vampy red shade is worth it!
Can You Tone Red Dyed Hair?
Yes, you can tone dyed red hair to adjust the shade or richness of the color.
Red hair dye can sometimes result in undertones that you may want to correct:
– Orangey or brassy tones – Use a blue or violet-based toner
– Too bright/fake looking – Use an ash or green-toned toner
– Too dark/muddy – Use a red- or gold-based toner
Apply toner to shampooed, towel-dried hair following the brand instructions. Most toners require 10-20 minutes of processing time. Rinse thoroughly.
Be careful not to over-tone, as this can result in the red dye depositing unevenly. Do test strands first to ensure you like the resulting tone.
What Color Can You Dye Red Hair Next?
The best next colors for dyed red hair are:
– Deep burgundy – Adds richness if your red fades over time
– Vivid red – Boosts brightness and intensity
– Auburn brown – Warms up the tone
– Dark chocolate brown – Covers red in a natural way
– Light brown – May require filling first to prevent green tones
– Light blonde – Requires removing red pigment with color remover
– Fashion colors – Pinks, purples, blues will show up boldly over red hair
No matter what shade you choose next, be sure to fill in porous areas first if going lighter to prevent uneven results. And give your hair some recovery time before making another drastic color change.
Conclusion
Transforming black hair to a gorgeous dark red shade is possible with some lightening beforehand. Pre-lighten hair to a pale yellow or light brown base at level 6-7 before applying a rich red dye all over. Maintain your new color with shampoos and conditioners specially made for color-treated hair. Refresh your roots and tone as needed. While it takes some work, dark red hair makes a dramatic and sexy statement on black hair. The bold color combo is striking and unique.
